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2/9/11

To be a solid center in the NBA a player has to be able to go the dirty work in the post, grab rebounds and be an intimidating force for anyone who dares to attack the rim. Though scoring the most points in the object on the game, great centers don't need to have huge offensive numbers, because their duties lie elsewhere, but having a solid offensive game will be an added bonus for any team. Here are the top guys who fit this description:

1. Dwight Howard (22.4 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 2.1 BPG)

One of only two players at the center position to average 20+ points (would be three, but I consider Amare to be more of a PF) and one of three payers to be averaging 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. This guy basically does all that a great center is supposed to do and more. Plus he has started to expand his offensive game a bit, and if that gets going, he'll be an even better player.

2. Al Horford (16.2 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG)

Though he's undersized at the center position in both height and weight, Horford has become on the the best players at that position. He can hit the jumper from 15 feet out and is a really great rebounder. As he continues to get better, he'll become a certified 20 and 10 guy every season.

3. Al Jefferson (17.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.9 BPG)

After spending most of his career on losing teams, Jefferson is finally on a playoff bound team that has championship goals. His scoring and rebounding numbers are down a bit from the career highs he averaged in Minnesota, but he remains an intimidating force in the paint and is a huge part of the Jazz offense.

4. Kevin Love (21.4 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 0.4 BPG)

Though he has spent most of his minutes at the PF spot this season, I had to show some love to Mr. Love after he was left off the top 10 PF list, due to the inclusion of Pau and Amare who spent most of their time at the center position. Anyways, this guy is just a beast on the boards and he has that outside shot which makes him an even bigger threat to opposing teams. Some may argue that his stats are inflated since he plays for a pretty bad team, but if you put this guy on a good team, he'll still go out there and grab 10 or more boards a night.

5. Andrew Bogut (13.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 2.8 BPG)

The league's best shot-blocker who has opposing player trembling in their sneakers whenever he's in the paint, well not really, but this guy is an intimidating force. Though he may not have the greatest offensive game, he makes up for that on the boards and on defense, because that's where centers are supposed to excel. If he does eventually improve that offensive skill-set, opposing teams better look out.

6. Joakim Noah (14.0 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 1.6 BPG)

This is a guy that every team would like to have because he goes out there and does all the little things that are necessary to get wins. Like Bogut he doesn't have the most polished offensive game, but his nose for the ball and hustle greatly outweigh that. Plus when you have teammates like Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer, you don't need to score that much.

7. Nene Hilario ( 15.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 0.8 BPG)

The man known around the league by only one name. He's a solid and physical defender and possesses a really solid offensive game. He also does the little things the team needs and will out a few guys on a poster once in a while.

8. Tyson Chandler ( 10.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG)

One of the most efficent players in terms of FG shooting at 64% and the top amongst the players on this list. After playing alongside Chris Paul for several season, Chandler was traded to Charlotte where his production fell drastically, but he's back playing with another great PG in Jason Kidd and his production has picked up agaian. He may not be the best offensive player, but he'll go out and get 10+ rebounds a night and throw down a few alley-oops in the process.

9. Andrew Bynum (11.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1,8 BPG)

The guys best known for his annual knee surgeries. Though these injuries have hampered his carerr, Bynum still remain one of the top centers in the league, and it has shown when he has been able to play. When healthy, he can become a legit double-double force and may add a few more rings to his collection, but he has to get healthy first.

10. Roy Hibbert (12.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG)

Perhaps one of the most promising up and coming centers in the league, this kid has developed into a pretty solid player and can only get better from here. His numbers have increased each year he has been in the league, and it may not be too long until he is averaging a double-double.

Honorable Mention:

Brook Lopex ( 19.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG)

Marc Gasol ( 11.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.7 BPG)

DeMarcus Cousins ( 13.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 0.8 BPG)

So there you have it, the top ten guys, plus a few honorable mentions, who best fit the role of a center for their respective teams. Feel free to chime in in the comments or DNB chat, if you feel anyone was left off or should be ranked higher. Also you can follow me on Twitter @Ronny006, to chat some ball etc. Until next week, peace.

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